With a colorful blanket and a big hug, a group of local women spread warmth to wheelchair-bound veterans Wednesday.

Nine knitters who meet twice a month delivered 25 blankets to patients at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. The women, mostly from the Hindu Temple Society of Augusta, began knitting together more than a year ago.

“Do whatever you can with your hands God has given you. Do it as long as you are healthy,” said Sheela Prakash, of Martinez.

In November, they delivered more than a hundred hats and scarves to children at Collins Elementary School.

Organizer Susan Gopal was inspired to form the group after watching a television special about women in Washington state who worked together to knit for students in their area. The local group meets at Gopal’s house for knitting, crocheting and tea.

After observing the nursing home patients’ needs, the women made plans to knit hats and scarves. They would like to return to hold knitting lessons with female patients at the nursing home.

About 20 hours of labor are required for each of the blankets, which were sized to cover the lap, legs and knees of someone bound to a wheelchair.

Most of the wool is secondhand from textile mills in North Carolina and Virginia, which Gopal’s husband comes across through business. In addition, worshipers at the temple have given wool and monetary donations.

As the women visited with the veterans, World War II veteran Russell Callaway, 87, wrapped himself in a black-and-white striped knit blanket.

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My sweet grandmother bought home made quilts made from the hands of the older ladies at the county home at the corner of Lumpkin & Peach Orch many many moons ago....back then I think $25 would buy a beautiful home made quilt....today it would costs over $500....

btw.....when I talk about South Augusta I really do remember it with love.....it isn't just politics to me...